POMA DOes...

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association

The POMA DOes… Podcast provides a voice for osteopathic medicine by sharing insights on issues important to osteopathic physicians, residents and students, and those who embrace the osteopathic philosophy. We upload a new episode every second and fourth Friday of the month. This podcast is produced by the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. Learn more at www poma.org | This podcast does not provide any medical advice.

  1. JAN 16

    Beyond the Scale: Recognizing Eating Disorders – Ep. 95

    In this episode of POMA DOes…, Susan Medalie, DO, speaks with Erin Birely, LCPC, Alumni Services Coordinator at The Renfrew Center, about recognizing and addressing eating disorders. They discuss why eating disorders can't be identified by appearance alone, the behaviors and misconceptions that are sometimes overlooked, and the importance of approaching these conversations with compassion and curiosity. The episode also explores how life transitions, food-focused holidays, and weight-centered care can impact patients—and how clinicians can better screen, support, and refer by focusing on the whole person.   Key Takeaways: You can't tell by looking. Eating disorders affect people of all body sizes and shapes, and may be present even when weight or labs appear normal.   Curiosity changes the conversation. Thoughtful, non-judgmental questions about behaviors, stress, and food can reduce shame and reveal concerns that might otherwise be missed.   Whole-person care matters. Effective treatment addresses behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns—not just weight—helping patients build healthier relationships with food and their bodies.   Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    27 min
  2. 12/12/2025

    CME on the Slopes: What's New at the 2026 District VIII Winter Seminar – Ep. 93

    In this episode of POMA DOes…, we sit down with members of the planning committee for the POMA District VIII Winter Seminar to preview the many reasons to attend in January at Seven Springs. This year's program features a wide range of educational topics, required CME credits—including patient safety and child abuse—and two hands-on skill-building opportunities: an OMM workshop and an ultrasound workshop. Beyond the classroom, Seven Springs offers a truly family-friendly setting. Attendees can enjoy tubing, ski lessons, and bowling, along with discounted spa services, lift tickets, and ski rentals. The conference also includes fun networking receptions, games, a residency fair, wellness walks, and even therapy dogs. It's the perfect chance to brush up on skills, reconnect with colleagues, and bring the family along for a winter getaway. Join us January 22–25, 2026—you won't want to miss it!   Key Takeaways: POMA District VIII hosts a top-notch medical conference in Western PA — join us January 22–25, 2026, for the 39th Annual POMA District VIII Winter Seminar! The 2026 event features diverse educational topics, required CME credits, and hands-on OMM and ultrasound workshops. Enjoy a family-friendly environment with discounted spa services, lift tickets, ski rentals, and more. Mix, mingle, and reconnect with colleagues during fun networking receptions. Make the most of the experience— register at www.poma.org/pomad82026   Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    13 min
  3. 11/28/2025

    Improving Diabetes Care Through Health Literacy – Ep. 92

    In this episode of POMA DOes..., POMA Past President Joseph Zawisza, DO, speaks with third-year resident Alvin Soto-Soto, MD, about his work on a health literacy initiative aimed at improving diabetes management among Latino patients in Reading, Pennsylvania. He discusses common misconceptions, cultural factors, and communication barriers that often complicate diabetes care, and explains how bilingual education, small-group discussions, and culturally sensitive outreach can enhance patient understanding and engagement. Dr. Soto-Soto also highlights the importance of individualized care and adaptable treatment goals. Key Takeaways: • Health literacy is essential to effective diabetes management. Widespread misconceptions about insulin, glucose monitoring, and disease progression make clear, bilingual education a critical part of care. • Cultural context and effective communication are vital. Awareness of dietary traditions, language barriers, and generational beliefs enables clinicians to offer realistic, empathetic guidance, especially during holidays and family-centered events. • Personalized care leads to better outcomes. Monitoring A1C levels, glucose readings, and patient logs supports progress and allows physicians to tailor goals to individual needs. Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    15 min
  4. 11/14/2025

    Physician Empathy: A Skill That Matters – Ep. 91

    In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA Vice President Valeri L. Roth, DO, speaks with clinical psychologist Alan P. Childs, MA, PsyD. Together, they explore the power of empathy in medicine—what it is, how it differs from sympathy and compassion, and how physicians can strengthen it. They share practical strategies for conveying empathy through tone of voice, attentiveness, and authentic connection, even in time-constrained clinical settings. The conversation also offers heartfelt insights on how to bring more humanity to care without extending the clinical day. They highlight how empathy enhances patient trust, treatment adherence, and outcomes while also helping physicians combat burnout. Key Takeaways: • Empathy is both innate and learnable. It involves emotionally understanding and connecting with patients—walking in their shoes—and can be strengthened through mindful attention and practice. • Small gestures make a big impact. Eye contact, tone of voice, reflective listening, and undivided attention convey genuine care and foster trust—even in brief encounters. • Empathy benefits both patients and physicians. By fostering understanding and connection, it enhances patient satisfaction and treatment adherence, while helping clinicians combat burnout by reinforcing a sense of purpose.   Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    25 min
  5. 10/31/2025

    Residency Interviews: Inside the Minds of Program Directors – Ep. 90

    In this episode of POMA DOes…, Sayed Arian, DO, a third-year Family Medicine resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network's Rural Family Medicine Program, sits down with three experienced program directors: John Kalata, DO (Family Medicine and Transitional Year Programs, LECOM Medical Center), Joseph Rosenblatt, DO (Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, PCOM), and Brenton Song, DO (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, LECOM). Together, they offer unfiltered, candid advice for medical students preparing for residency interviews, covering what programs look for, how to communicate authentically, and how to assess program culture. They also share common pitfalls applicants should avoid and the key traits that help candidates stand out. Getting ready for a residency interview? You won't want to miss this episode packed with real-world advice from those who sit on the other side of the table.   Key Takeaways:   Be authentic and prepared. Know your application thoroughly and be ready to discuss every experience with confidence and honesty. Residency programs value genuine self-awareness over scripted answers.   Show your interpersonal strengths. Eye contact, composure, and conversational skills reveal as much as your credentials. Program Directors look for applicants who engage naturally and think on their feet.   Do your homework on culture. Talk with current residents, attend program events, and look beyond the website to find where you truly fit and can thrive.   Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    21 min
  6. 10/10/2025

    Obesity & Weight Loss: Exploring Treatment Options – Ep. 89

    In this episode of POMA DOes…, James Zervios, Chief Operating Officer of the Obesity Action Coalition, joins Christopher Still, DO, Director of the Geisinger Obesity Institute, for a discussion on obesity and weight loss. They explore the wide range of treatment options, including lifestyle changes, behavioral strategies, medications, and bariatric surgery, while also addressing common challenges such as cost and insurance coverage. They also highlight the importance of long-term, individualized care, the role of mental health, and the need to recognize obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.   Key Takeaways: Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires comprehensive, long-term care tailored to each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment options are expanding, from diet, exercise, and behavioral modification to medications (like GLP-1s) and bariatric surgery. However, access can be limited by cost and insurance coverage. Mental health and expectations matter. Patients often hope medication will solve everything, but sustainable success usually requires a holistic, physician-guided approach. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to relapse. For example, up to 75% of patients regain weight within a year of discontinuing GLP-1 medications. The Obesity Action Coalition offers trusted information and resources for patients and providers at obesityaction.org. CME Information: This episode was developed entirely by POMA. Dr. Christopher Still, faculty for this educational event, is an independent contractor and consultant, serves on the speaker's bureau for Novo Nordisk and Lilly, consults for Boehringer Ingelheim and Currax, and is a contractor for Ethicon Endosurgery. All relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated.  James Zervios, along with the planners for this episode, has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.   The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. POMA designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 Category 1-B AOA CME credits. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the AOA.   Attest online at www.poma.org/pomapodcast   Find Us: Online: https://www.poma.org/ Email: poma@poma.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/POMA_DOs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The POMA DOes… Podcast provides a voice for osteopathic medicine by sharing insights on issues important to osteopathic physicians, residents and students, and those who embrace the osteopathic philosophy. We upload a new episode every second and fourth Friday of the month. This podcast is produced by the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. Learn more at www poma.org | This podcast does not provide any medical advice.